In response to a letter written by Lautenberg, which raised serious questions regarding the higher education merger and realignment proposal that is being debated, the governor chose to resort to name-calling, referring to the senator as a “partisan hack” rather than addressing the concerns raised by Lautenberg and shared by an overwhelming amount of New Jersey residents.

The potential merger and realignment involving Rutgers, UMDNJ and Rowan will impact New Jersey for generations. Unfortunately, detailed information on the proposal has been slowly forthcoming. Lautenberg’s questions should be answered so those involved and the general public have a better understanding of the proposal’s potential benefits and/or repercussions.

Video: Chris Christie calls Frank Lautenberg a 'partisan hack'At a town hall meeting in Manchester Gov. Chris Christie called senator Frank Lautenberg a 'partisan hack' after the senator has questioned Christie's plan to merge Rutgers-Camden with Rowan University. Christie said he wasn't going to apologize for working with right-minded Democrats and that Lautenberg should put the country and the state first, not politics. (Video by Andrew Mills/The Star-Ledger)

Lautenberg has garnered New Jerseyans’ respect. We all can only hope to earn the reputation of honesty and decency he has accumulated over his career. Responding to him in the manner and tone the governor used does not bring us closer to having the answers we need to make an informed decision on the proposal, and shows a lack of respect all elected officials should afford each other.

Sen. Richard J. Codey (D-Essex)

Gov, act your age

Gov. Chris Christie, I take it your mother either didn’t tell you to respect your elders, or you didn’t listen. Calling Sen. Lautenberg a hack is not in good taste. Please, act your age, not your shoe size.